Do Motorcyclists Have PIP in Florida?

This surprises a lot of riders. It matters because motorcycle crashes often cause serious injuries, and the rider has no first layer of coverage to pay the early bills.

Why Motorcycles Are Left Out of PIP

Florida’s no-fault law defines a “motor vehicle” as a self-propelled vehicle with four or more wheels (Fla. Stat. § 627.732(3)). PIP benefits are set out in § 627.736. A motorcycle has two wheels, so it falls outside the PIP requirement.

Owning a car with PIP does not fix this. A car owner’s PIP covers injuries while in a motor vehicle, or while not riding another self-propelled vehicle when struck (§ 627.736(4)(e)1.). A rider on a motorcycle is on a self-propelled vehicle, so the car policy’s PIP generally does not pay. Our page on who pays medical bills after a motorcycle accident covers this too.

So How Do Injured Riders Get Their Bills Paid?

Without PIP, a rider’s path to payment usually runs through other sources:

• The at-fault driver’s bodily injury liability insurance. If another driver caused the crash, their insurance is often the main source of recovery.
• Your own Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage. If the at-fault driver has no insurance or not enough, this coverage, if you bought it, can step in.
• Health insurance. Your health plan may cover treatment, though it may ask to be repaid out of a later settlement.
• Medical payments coverage (MedPay), if you added it to your motorcycle policy.
• Required medical coverage for riders without a helmet. A rider over 21 who rides without a helmet must be covered by an insurance policy with at least $10,000 in medical benefits (Fla. Stat. § 316.211(3)(b)).

Because there is no automatic $10,000 cushion, the at-fault driver’s liability coverage and your own UM coverage can carry much of a motorcycle injury claim.

Bias Against Riders, and Florida’s 51% Fault Rule

Riders can also face assumptions that they were speeding or reckless, whatever actually happened. That matters more now. For lawsuits filed after March 24, 2023, a person found more than 50% at fault for their own injuries recovers nothing (Fla. Stat. § 768.81(6)). Our guide to Florida’s 51% comparative negligence rule explains how it works. Solid evidence about how the crash really happened is critical.

What a Rider Should Do After a Crash

1. Get medical care right away, even if you feel okay. Adrenaline can hide injuries.
2. Photograph the scene, the vehicles and your gear if you safely can.
3. Get the other driver’s insurance information and any witness contacts.
4. Do not give a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurer before getting advice.
5. Check your own policy for UM/UIM and MedPay coverage.
6. Keep the deadline in mind: for most crashes after March 24, 2023, a lawsuit must generally be filed within two years. See our Florida statute of limitations guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do motorcycles need PIP in Florida?

No. Florida’s PIP requirement applies to motor vehicles with four or more wheels, not motorcycles.

If I have PIP on my car, does it cover me on my motorcycle?

Generally no. A car owner’s PIP covers injuries while occupying a motor vehicle, or while not on another self-propelled vehicle when struck. A motorcycle is a self-propelled vehicle.

If I have no PIP, who pays my medical bills after a motorcycle crash?

Usually the at-fault driver’s liability insurance, your own UM/UIM coverage, MedPay if you have it, or your health insurance.

Does the 51% fault rule apply to motorcycle crashes?

Yes. For lawsuits filed after March 24, 2023, a rider found more than 50% at fault for their own injuries recovers nothing. That is why fighting unfair blame matters.

Motorcycle injury claims in Florida work differently from car claims. Shiner Law Group handles motorcycle cases and offers free case reviews. Call (561) 777-7700 or fill out our free online case evaluation.

This article is general information, not legal advice. Every case is different. Past results do not guarantee a future outcome.